
Atonement
2007, Drama/Romance, 2h 3m
219 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Atonement features strong performances, brilliant cinematography, and a unique score. Featuring deft performances from James MacAvoy and Keira Knightley, it's a successful adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Atonement Photos
Movie Info
This sweeping English drama, based on the book by Ian McEwan, follows the lives of young lovers Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). When the couple are torn apart by a lie constructed by Cecilia's jealous younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), all three of them must deal with the consequences. Robbie is the hardest hit, since Briony's deception results in his imprisonment, but hope for Cecilia and her beau increases when their paths cross during World War II.
Cast & Crew
James McAvoy
Robbie Turner
Robbie Turner
Keira Knightley
Cecilia Tallis
Cecilia Tallis
Romola Garai
Briony - Age 18
Briony - Age 18
Saoirse Ronan
Briony - Age 13
Briony - Age 13
Brenda Blethyn
Grace Turner
Grace Turner
Vanessa Redgrave
Older Briony
Older Briony
Critic Reviews for Atonement
Audience Reviews for Atonement
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Sep 27, 2015Take away the acclaim and Atonement works fine as a drama. The film looks as good as the actors. The various situations are somewhat interesting, but the film never comes together or feels completed at the end. The war scenes do almost nothing for the story, which seems to have no main character. But overall, Atonement is fine, I just didn't find it to merit any awards.Robert B Super Reviewer
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Jan 07, 2014A romance drama that shifts from joy to chaos thanks to a misunderstanding from a little girl, told in a unique musical score of typewriting sounds. It'll leave you pitiful towards all three main characters.Max G Super Reviewer
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Jun 18, 2013Made me feel horribly sad, and a bit nauseous.vieras e Super Reviewer
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Jan 11, 2013Joe Wright's 'Atonement' has a lot of positive things going for it, but none more brilliant and substantial than the film's cinematography and visuals. This includes, but is not limited to, a 5 minute tracking shot that never cuts away. It's pure, unadulterated filmmaking that we see less and less of. Not only filled with magnificent visuals, but each of the three leads fills their roles with great intensity and pathos, really creating something out of nothing when it comes to the script. The story feels a little blown out of proportion and the pace a little slow at times, but Wright makes sure it doesn't disappoint his audience. 'Atonement' does not have an astonishingly great story to tell, but its technical brilliance cannot be denied.Kase V Super Reviewer
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